Ainsworth has researched the impact of increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide and ozone in combination with drought and other environmental stresses on crops like maize and soybeans. Recently, she found that a large portion of the U.S. corn and soybean harvests over the past 20 years were lost due to Ozone pollution.

Ainsworth is also being recognized for her science advocacy, as a science ambassador and as a role model for the next generation of scientists.